The Mardi Himal Trek is an ideal choice for those who are looking for an ‘off the beaten path’ trekking experience in the Annapurna region. It is the quietest, the lowest and the least visited trekking peak of Annapurna region of Nepal.
You can enjoy Mardi Himal base camp as well as the high camp passing the solitary trails, verdant forests, interesting villages, valleys, terraced farms, dazzling rivers and the extraordinary views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhare (Fishtail) and Hiunchuli mountains.
The Mardi Himal Trek typically begins with a drive to Phedi or Kande from Pokhara. We will take the former route and trek via Dhampus to Pothana. From Pothana, the trail merges with the one leading from Australian camp and gradually climbs up to Deurali.
The tough part of the trek begins here as we have to make continuous ascent from Forest Camp to Low Camp and eventually up to the High Camp. The following morning, we will wake up early for a pre-dawn hike up to Upper View Point.
Situated at 4,250m, this view point is typically the highest point of the trek and offers a stunning panorama of mountain vistas ranging from Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna south (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Baraha Shikhar (Mt. Fang) (7647m), Tent Peak (5695m), Singhachuli (6501m), Machhapuchhare (6993m) and of course, Mardi Himal (5587m).
The next couple of days are spent on the return trek back to Pokhara. As you take the flight or bus back to Kathmandu, the 10 Day Mardi Himal Trek comes to a closure.
Mardi Himal trek is a short trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal where you can stay in teahouses/lodges, taste local food, appreciate the incomparable hills, enjoy the mountain landscape; and marvel at the panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains. Mountain Layers Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. is proud to organize this Mardi Himal Trek.
Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate difficulty trek with some strenuous parts, such as the hike up to Upper View Point or Mardi Base Camp. These are also the highest points of the trek, situated at 4,250m and 4,450m respectively.
This is a trek that is suitable for most people regardless of experience; given that they are physically fit and healthy. The trekking hours average at around 5-6 hours trekking per day. Although we climb up to fairly high altitudes, altitude sickness is generally not an issue on this trek as we only stay at high elevation for 2-3 days max. Nonetheless, proper acclimatization is always welcome as part of the trekking plan and itinerary.
Mardi Himal Trek is best performed during the peak seasons i.e. Spring (March – May) and Autumn (September – November).
As a fairly quiet trail, you don’t have to deal with the crowds of peak season on this trek while enjoying all the benefits including the clear skies with stunning mountain vistas as well as the pleasant weather and blooming nature.
Winter season is also a good choice for Mardi Himal Trek, especially if you are looking to enjoy the crisp views of snowcapped peaks. Luckily, there is no need to cross any high passes for this trek but excessive snowfall can still be an issue sometimes. Monsoon trekking is possible, but we don’t generally recommend it due to the unpredictable weather and rainfall.
Once you have arrived at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, finish all customs procedures and head out of the terminal. Our representative will be waiting to receive you with signboards of your or your group’s name. They will escort you from TIA to your hotel where you can rest after the flight. If you have enough free time in the evening, you can even come visit us at our office for some quick introductions.
Our first destination today will be the lakeside city of Pokhara. We will head out fairly early and have our breakfast somewhere around Kurintar or Muglin. The total time taken to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara is usually around 6 hours as long as there are no intrusions along the Prithivi Highway. Once we’re at Pokhara, we can spend our leisure time as we prefer. Going out for a pleasant stroll around the lakeside is a good idea if it’s not too late.
From Pokhara, we will have to go for a short drive of around 45 minutes to Phedi. Finally, our trek will begin from here and our destination for the day will be Deurali. We will make the gradual ascent through Dhampus and Pothana while enjoying the pleasing scenery around us. We will arrive at Deurali around the afternoon. Our overnight stay will be a lodge as usual.
Our destination for today is Low Camp which is located at an altitude of almost 3,000 meters. We will begin the trek from Deurali and reach Forest Camp in a few hours where we will stop for lunch. Forest Camp is basically a pleasant clearing in the middle of the forest will lodges and campsites to accommodate trekkers and other visitors. As the name suggests, trekking to forest camp requires us to go through the forested trails generally comprising of pine and rhododendron. This is a good opportunity to closely observe the floral diversity and natural habitat of Himalayan wildlife. From here, we will keep ascending for a few hours to eventually reach the Low Camp.
Today’s trek will be tougher than usual but the views will be so satisfying, you will forget about the difficulty. From Low Camp, we will continue our climb up to Badal Danda. This scenic ridge is aptly named considering the view it provides of snowcapped peaks rising above the clouds. Enjoying the pleasing scenery comprising of Machhapuchhare, Hiunchuli, Annapurna as well as Mardi Himal, we will eventually reach high camp.
Wake up early for the morning hike to Upper Viewpoint today. As the name suggests, this viewpoint located at 4,250 meters offers you a stunning panorama of Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna south (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Baraha Shikhar (Mt. Fang) (7647m), Tent Peak (5695m), Singhachuli (6501m), Machhapuchhare (6993m) and of course, Mardi Himal (5587m). This mesmerizing view is further enhanced by the beautiful colors of the rising sun and clear morning sky. After enjoying ourselves for a bit there, we will head back down to High Camp for lunch. Finally, we will keep descending down to Low Camp for the overnight stay.
Since we have completed our main goal yesterday, we will simply make the return journey today. The downhill trek to Sidhing will be comparatively easier but it can be a little tough for your knees. Make use of trekking poles if necessary today. We will stay overnight at the peaceful village of Sidhing.
Finally, we have a leisure day to spend as we like. After the 2-3 hour long drive back to Pokhara, we will spend our free time exploring the beautiful lakeside city. You may be tempted to spend the day relaxing and resting, and it is certainly not a bad option. However, we recommend strolling around the lakeside in the evening at least to experience the charm of Pokhara. If you wish to have a short day tour instead, the best places to visit nearby are Phewa Lake and the lakeside, Davis Falls, World Peace Pagoda, Tal Barahi Temple, Gupteshwor Mahadev Temple and Cave etc.
If you have a flight scheduled, our representative will escort you to the airport a few hours before flight time. Otherwise, you are free to continue with your holiday as you wish. We hope your time with Mountain Layers Treks was enjoyable. Please feel free to contact us if you wish to extend your holiday or for any other treks and tours in Nepal. Farewell!
The Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively short and scenic trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and diverse landscapes.
The Mardi Himal Trek typically takes around 5 to 7 days to complete, depending on the specific itinerary and pace of the trekker.
Yes, the Mardi Himal Trek is suitable for trekkers of all experience levels, including beginners. The trail offers a moderate level of difficulty with manageable hiking distances and gradual altitude gains.
The highest point of the Mardi Himal Trek is the Mardi Himal Base Camp, situated at an altitude of approximately 4,500 meters above sea level.
The best time to do the Mardi Himal Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is stable, and the skies are clear, offering excellent mountain views.
Yes, trekkers require permits to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area for the Mardi Himal Trek. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting the trek.
Accommodations along the Mardi Himal Trek include teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses, providing basic amenities such as beds, meals, and hot showers. Advance booking is recommended during peak seasons.
While it is possible to trek independently on the Mardi Himal Trail, hiring a local guide is recommended for navigation, safety, and cultural insights. Guides can also assist with logistics and provide valuable support during the trek.
Essential items to pack for the Mardi Himal Trek include warm clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a first aid kit. It's also advisable to carry water purification tablets or a water filtration system.
Yes, there are emergency evacuation options available, including helicopter rescues, in case of medical emergencies or severe altitude sickness. Trekking with a reputable trekking agency ensures access to proper emergency assistance if needed.
01. Altitude Acclimatization: Although the Mardi Himal Trek reaches a maximum altitude of 4,500 meters, proper acclimatization is still essential to prevent altitude sickness. Plan rest days and ascend gradually to allow your body to adjust to the altitude.
02. Trail Conditions: While the trail is generally well-defined and maintained, some sections may be steep, rocky, or narrow. Trekking poles can be helpful for stability, especially on uneven terrain or during descents.
03. Weather Conditions: Weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable, with conditions changing rapidly. Be prepared for a range of weather conditions, including rain, snow, and strong winds, by packing appropriate clothing and gear.
04. Health and Safety: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking activities, including emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. Follow safety guidelines provided by your guide and stay hydrated and well-rested throughout the trek.
05. Photography Opportunities: The Mardi Himal Trek offers numerous opportunities for photography, with stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and traditional villages. Bring a camera and extra batteries to capture the beauty of the landscape.
06. Cultural Immersion: Take the time to interact with locals along the trekking route and learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life. Respect local customs and traditions, and ask for permission before taking photos of people or religious sites.
07. Environmental Conservation: Practice Leave No Trace principles by minimizing your environmental impact, carrying out all waste, and respecting wildlife habitats. Support local initiatives aimed at preserving the natural beauty of the Himalayas.
08. Personal Fitness: While the Mardi Himal Trek is considered moderately challenging, a reasonable level of physical fitness is still required. Engage in regular exercise and cardiovascular training before the trek to prepare your body for the rigors of hiking at altitude.
09. Enjoy the Journey: Take time to enjoy the journey and soak in the beauty of the Himalayas. Pause to appreciate the stunning views, listen to the sounds of nature, and connect with fellow trekkers along the way. The Mardi Himal Trek offers a unique opportunity to experience the tranquility and majesty of the Himalayan mountains.
Gerry Leong and Kwok | Hong Kong S.A.R. | On 6th Mar, 2024
5 - Excellent
At the end of April 2019, we were with Bhuwan Maskey to be our trekking Guide for Mardi Himal Trek. It was five days with good arrangement. He guided us and very familiar on the mountain and the plants and animals.
And he helped us a lot of on the breakfast, meal and dinner. Finally, we can see the Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South from the closest location. It was very amazing and beautiful. Bhuwan Maskey is very nice and full of experience guide. We recommendhim him to be your best guide.
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